June was a strong income month and a crazy expense month (see spreadsheet screenshot).

Our total income in June was $12,011.83 (my first full month of income at my new job). In addition to our paychecks, my wife received an $800 auto allowance and a $150 company reimbursement for internet service. I received $438.38 in auto allowance and mileage reimbursement. We also received $250 in preschool reimbursement, $165 in gifts for our daughter (deposited into 529 Plan), and earned $4.80 in interest income from our online savings account.

It’s hard to write but in June we spent a total of $24,281.01. Definitely the largest month we’ve had since I’ve began tracking in early 2007. The big ticket item this month was $10,118 for my wife’s elective surgery. I also had $292 in lab fees, $457.87 in auto service, and $3,187.45 in “household items”. Household items is becoming a catch-all for stuff that should probable get its own line item…eventually.

Next month, our income will drop a bit as my 25% contribution to 401(k) kicks in. Interestingly, my HR department called me to make sure that I meant 25% and not $25 dollars per check. I know it’s a large percentage, but it only amounts to $13K/year plus whatever is contributed from my monthly bonuses.

May was an AMAZING income month and a reasonable expense month when compared to our income (see spreadsheet screenshot).

Our total income in May was a whopping $22,510.29, making it our 3^rd largest income month since I began tracking in 2007. The big game changers were my Wife’s quarterly bonus of $8,200 gross ($4,080.42 net) and our tax refund of $9,118. In addition to our paychecks (only one week from my new job), my wife received an $800 auto allowance and a $315.01 company reimbursement for internet service and meals. We also received $250 in preschool reimbursement, $215 in gifts for our daughter (deposited into 529 Plan), and earned $2.55 in interest income from our online savings account.

In May, we spent a total of $13,376.69. A ton of money, but a lot less than we made, thankfully. A couple of items like my car payment and fuel for Car 2 will be partially offset by reimbursements from my company next month. We had a big birthday party for our 1-year old daughter, which resulted in a $844 entertainment expense. Nanny/babysitting costs were also higher his month as we increased the hours due to me going back to work.

Next month will be my first full month at my new job, and thus, my first full month of paychecks.  We were looking forward to a nice bump to our income, but we were hit by AMT last year, so we will likely increase our 401(k) contributions, reducing our net income.  Craziness!

April was another good income month, but an even larger expense month (see spreadsheet screenshot).

Our total income in April was $8,696.33 (only my wife is working). In addition to my wife’s paychecks, she received an $800 auto allowance and a $150 company reimbursement for internet service. We also received $250 in preschool reimbursement, $75 selling items on Craigslist, and earned $4.57 in interest income from our online savings account.

In April, we spent a total of $8,928.07 (more than we made, again). Thank God that I begin my new job next month because the ship is starting to list.  This is the third month in a row that we’ve had to pull money from savings to cover our expenses. I left my company at the end of September, over 7 months ago, and am eager to get back to work.

Next month, with the addition on my income, we hope to begin rebuilding our savings.

March was a good income month but also a large expense month (see spreadsheet screenshot).

Our total income in March was $8,629.58 (remember, I am not currently working). In addition to my wife’s paychecks, she received an $800 auto allowance and a $228 company reimbursement for internet service and parking. We also received $250 in preschool reimbursement, $20 selling items on Craigslist, and earned $4.82 in interest income from our online savings account.

In March, we spent a total of $9,375.20 (more than we made). We went overboard this month in many areas, mostly in groceries and household items.

Next month should be a kinda sorta more of the same, although we need to get our expenses below our income.

February was an awesome income month and crazy expense month (see spreadsheet screenshot).

Our total income in February was $17,911.56! This is primarily due to my wife’s salary jumping 34% thanks to a promotion and a quarterly bonus she earned of $16,745.00 gross ($9,088.68 net). So proud of her continued success! In addition to my wife’s paychecks, she received an $800 auto allowance and a $163 company reimbursement for internet service & travel. We also received $250 in preschool reimbursement, $220 selling items on Craigslist, $59.17 in credit card rewards, and earned $3.95 in interest income from our online savings account.

In February, we spent a total of $12,336.89. Some of our larger non-standard expenses were $1,000 extra in mortgage principal, $938.02 for clothing, and $1,363.98 for furniture. We also hired a new nanny.

Next month should be a little more average in terms of income and expenses.

January was an okay income month and another larger than budgeted expense month (see spreadsheet screenshot).

Our total income in December was $7,183.63. In addition to my wife’s paychecks, she received an $800 auto allowance and a $100 company reimbursement for internet service.  We received $250 in preschool reimbursement, $90 selling items on Craigslist, and earned $4.89 in interest income from our online savings account.

In January, we spent a total of $9,746.39. Some of our larger non-standard expenses were $685 for 6 months term life insurance (wife and I), $635 for 6 months auto insurance (2 cars), $485.11 for clothing, and $156.1for vacation. We let our nanny go mid-month, so there was reduced spending in that area.

Next month should be a good income month with my wife receiving  her 34% raise and a quarterly bonus of approximately $15K.

December was an okay income month and a larger than expected expense month (see spreadsheet screenshot).

Our total income in December was $7,331.52. In addition to my wife’s paycheck, she received an $800 auto allowance and a $100 company reimbursement for internet service. We received $68.90 in cash back rewards, $130 in gifts for our kids 529 Plans, and earned $5.49 in interest income from our online savings account.

In December, we spent a total of $9,256.64 (nearly $2K more than our income).  Some of our larger non-standard expenses were $535 in gifts, $458.22 for vacation, and $960.50 in household items.

Next month should be a good income month with my wife receiving a quarterly bonus of approximately $15K.

November a very good income month and a larger than budgeted expense month (see spreadsheet below).

Our total income in November was $14,923.69. In addition to my wife’s paycheck, she received an $800 auto allowance and a $130 company reimbursement for internet service and FasTrak pass. The big news was that she also earned a quarterly bonus of $12,490 gross ($7,664.17 net). Such a blessing! We received a $96.79 home owner’s insurance refund for removing our jewelry rider (another post, another time) and earned $5.60 in interest income from our online savings account.

In November, we spent a total of $9,201.88. Some of our larger non-standard expenses were $597 for airline tickets, $373 urgent care bill for our son, and $1,100 in extra mortgage principal payments. If you subtract out our extra mortgage principal payments, our expenses were a slightly more reasonable $8,101.88.  Better than last month.

Next month should be a pretty typical income month. Obviously Christmas will bring additional expenses in the form of gifts and holiday travel, but hopefully not too much.

October was the first month living on just my wife’s income, and we blew the budget.

Our total income in September was $13,739.35. In addition to our regular paychecks, I received $2,049.71 PTO payout and last weeks pay.  My wife’s company paid her an $800 auto allowance and a $100 company reimbursement for internet service. We also received $95 from Verizon and a $30 for our daughter’s 529 Plan.  We earned $5.38 in interest income from our online savings account.

 am very interested to see if we can dramatically reduce our expenses in October.  My wife’s  net income each month is $6,300.28 plus an additional $900.00 for auto allowance and internet service.  So, $7,200 or less is the goal.